One of the conditions that you need to know for your career and the NBE is Spina Bifida. SpinaBifida is a condition that affects the spine, it’s typically observed in newborns.  Spina bifida is an umbrella termthat covers several different variations. You will need to memorize three of these and know how to treat them in the embalming room.  The three conditions are Occulta, Meningocele, and Myelomeningocele.

Briefly, occulta is the least severe. 

Meningocele is denoted by moderate severityMyelomeningocele is the most severe.

I know all of these names are a mouthfuland you do need to know the condition associated with each but here a mnemonicto start you off.  It’s a simple one, andhopefully that helps you along your path.

Occulta is the least severe and the shortest name

Meningocele is “middle severity” and the “middle length name

Myelomeningocele is the most severe and the longest name.

Additionally, the conditions names become more complex topronounce, this also helps remember the complexity of the condition.